Willard Marine in the News

Anaheim, Calif. – Jan. 13, 2016 – Willard Marine, Inc., a global leader in the manufacture of mission-proven boats, has received an order to produce a 33-foot, fiberglass harbor patrol boat for the Oceanside Police Department in California based on the iconic “Crystaliner” boat design.

The order from Oceanside Police Department marks the first Crystaliner to be purchased from Willard Marine since they acquired the licensing and manufacture rights from Crystaliner, which folded in 2012.

Willard’s more contemporary Crystaliner design includes new electronic systems, upgraded hull construction and powerful firefighting features. With a length of 33 feet and beam over 10 feet, its large open deck space is ideal for search and rescue missions, law enforcement safety and firefighting operations. Driven by twin Yanmar 8LV-350 inboard diesel engines, the vessel is capable of a cruising speed of 27 knots. The Oceanside craft will feature a Darley PSDE 125 single stage centrifugal fire pump producing over 1,250 gallons per minute at 150 psi.

The Oceanside Police Department currently patrols the coastal and offshore region of San Diego, Oceanside and parts of Orange County, with three Crystaliner vessels that have been in service 15 to 30 years.

“The Crystaliner platform is conducive to the multitude of activities our officers are involved in such as marine rescues to include vessel tows and dewatering, marine firefighting, harbor patrol and diving,” said Lieutenant Karen Laser of the Oceanside Police Department. “We are excited Willard Marine is reviving these designs, as their performance abilities are best suited for the variety of functions our marine community expects of us in our area of responsibility,” Laser added.

“Crystaliner has been a staple of the law enforcement and surf and rescue departments along the Pacific coast for decades,” said Ulrich Gottschling, President and CEO at Willard Marine. “We are proud to offer the classic design and finish of a Crystaliner that many first responders are so passionate about while re-engineering them to perform reliably in the rigorous and demanding missions of today’s law enforcement professionals,” Gottschling explained.

Since its founding in 1957, Willard Marine has developed world-class watercraft for the U.S. military, Department of Homeland Security, foreign governments, law enforcement agencies, search and rescue organizations and private companies. Willard Marine is also the exclusive builder of commercial vessels originally designed by SeaArk Marine and Crystaliner. Based in California with facilities in Maryland and Virginia, Willard Marine is ISO 9001:2008 certified and the sole American manufacturer of SOLAS rescue boats.